The Gorillamen asked ChatGPT to write the intro to this episode about artificial intelligence...
"Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the field of computer science and engineering that deals with creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. AI involves the development of algorithms and computer programs that can learn from data and experiences, and adapt and improve their performance over time. AI techniques include machine learning, natural language processing, deep learning, computer vision, and robotics, among others. AI has the potential to revolutionize many areas of our lives, including healthcare, education, transportation, and entertainment, among others. However, as with any technology, AI also raises ethical and societal concerns, such as job displacement, bias, privacy, and safety."
To find out where we stand, give this episode a listen!
What is your first memory of artificial intelligence?
Have you used any AI technology?
Do you have any qualms or reservations about AI technology? If so, what?
What's your opinion on AI programs that generate fiction and art?
Would you ever appreciate AI art (visual art, books, movies, or other things) in the same way you appreciate what humans make?
What's the coolest use for AI technology you've heard about?
Do you think people are overhyping AI technology or being overly critical of it?
In what ways do you think AI will change the way we live?
Do you trust AI technology?
How long do you think it will be before we see AI replacing white-collar workers?
If you could create an AI, what would it be and why?
Pull up a stump and gather round, for I will speak to you now about the Gorillamen...
Some say they escaped...wherever it is they once were. Sightings are frequent: in the beginning, weekly. In time, they were seen and heard every other week. Now, they sometimes have a couple sightings a month, but at times we all wonder if they will ever come back.
They always do...
Somewhere it is written that the Gorillamen met while working for a large finance company, two apes-made-good writing mortgage procedures to [hopefully] prevent unfair practices. It is not likely their work changed much, but it was clearly meant to be...because on February 7, 2013, they crowded around a microphone not-at-all suited for podcasting and...they started a podcast anyway!
Now, ten years later, they are still on the run; still being sighted; and sometimes...even heard spreading their own ape-branded philosophy and humor at least they find funny.
To say they are another two-guys-with-microphones podcast is true, but it is also false. Over the years, sure...they have wandered off topic, but they are apes speaking with purpose, too. They have talked about some of the dumbest things during the last decade, but they have talked about important things, too. Sometimes they get things wrong, and maybe that's the beauty of the show: they have talked enough that you can see they are on the right side of history -- never afraid of admitting when one of their takes on an issue was off.
Apes striving to be better...
If nothing else, they did what they set out to do: start a podcast when no one else they knew was willing to give it a go.
And if you listen to the wind just right, you'll hear their frequency echo like a voice whispering, "Chill the fuck out...and make the damn thing..."
Here's what they talk about this time around...
What's your first memory of Men in Gorilla Suits?
Aside from starting Men in Gorilla Suits, what else was going on in your life ten years ago?
Has Men in Gorilla Suits opened any doors for you in the last ten years?
What's the best thing that happened in your last ten years?
What's the worst thing that happened in your last ten years?
What are you most proud of doing in the last ten years?
What do you wish you had done differently in the last ten years?
Let's not keep focusing on the past ten years: what do you feel was the most formidable decade in your life?
What was your favorite decade in your life?
What was the worst decade in your life?
If you could live through any point in history for 10 years (with a guarantee you’d survive), what would it be?
So...finally...the lost episode. Gorilla Christopher apologizes for losing his side of the original recording and then...all the wackiness that followed. But...he re-recorded his side of the show and pieced it all together.
It's more to the point because to match up cross-talk would have taken a lot of time. So it's pretty much, "Hey: here's a question!" and then Gorilla Shawn's answer and then Gorilla Christopher.
Here's what was discussed:
When did you first start contemplating things? (And what did you contemplate?)
How important is contemplation to you? (And why?)
How important do you feel contemplation is to a society? (And why?)
What is the last bigger thing you contemplated?
How has contemplation made your life better?
Is there a downside to being contemplative?
Are we very contemplative in the U.S.?
Is it better to be contemplative or active?
What’s the strangest thing you’ve contemplated?
For someone wanting to be more contemplative, what advice would you give them?
So...it's been a while. We're still alive and still doing our things...we just haven't been recording Men in Gorilla Suits.
The quick version is: Chris lost his side of a recording, we both got sick, and this summer in Texas has really sucked. But if you want to know more, you can listen to Gorilla Christopher's husky COVID voice for five minutes as he catches listeners up on the Gorilla Men's whereabouts...
So...uhm...Gorilla Christopher was all set up to record, but...he didn't set up his MacBook audio settings to look for his audio interface and microphone. So...the laptop mic picked up sound, meaning...Christopher's sound is pretty shoddy this episode.
But...it's kinda fitting. As the older Gen-X member of the GorillaMen, just pretend he's recording this episode from the late 80s/early 90s, totally hosed and sitting on the floor of a friends' apartment where he often crashed.
That said, this is what is discussed:
When’s the first time you heard of Generation X?
Do you consider yourself Gen X?
What is the range for Gen X?
What are the stereotypes about Gen X? Are they accurate?
Is Gen X “the forgotten generation?”
What’s the best part about Gen X?
What’s the worst part?
What concerns you as Generation X ages closer to retirement?
What was the great potential of Generation X? Did they fulfill it?
This time around, the Gorillamen discuss these finer points about processed foods:
What is the first processed food you remember eating?
What is the last processed food you've eaten?
What, to you, constitutes a processed food?
How easy is it to avoid processed foods?
Is there a time in your life when you noticed a boom in process foods? If so, what caused it?
How often do you eat processed foods?
What is your favorite processed food?
What is your least favorite processed food?
Are processed foods inherently unhealthy?
There seems to be a campaign where vegan processed food is concerned that it's unnatural and unhealthy. What are your thoughts on vegan processed foods?
Jim Croce wrote one of the best lines about the human struggle against time:
"But there never seems to be enough time To do the things you want to do once you find them."
This time around, the Gorillamen talk about making time for the things they love...and how they deal with time spent doing things they'd rather not do. Specifically, these points:
When did you first encounter the concept of taking time with something?
In any given week, how hurried do you feel?
How important is taking time/claiming time to you (whether it's in the work you do or just chilling)?
What are your favorite things to do with the time you have?
In general, do you think people in the U.S. use their time well?
What role does work and technology play in how people in how we spend our time?
Is the concept of having free time a thing of the past?
Is having time a privilege?
What things would you add to your life if you had more time?
What media (songs, books, movies, TV, whatever) are good examples of taking one's time with something.
From somber documentaries about the struggles of the wilds to, "Crikey! We're gonna wind up some animals for your viewing amusement, mate! Why's this cobra so mad...all I'm doing is dragging it around by its tail!" -- nature documentaries and programs are a viewing staple.
This time, the Gorillamen talk about them...specifically:
What's the first nature program you remember seeing?
How did--or even has--nature programing affected your life?
How important do you think nature programming is?
What are some of your favorite nature shows or movies (or books...whatever)?
Who is your favorite person involved in nature programming?
What's one nature show that doesn't exist that you'd love to see?
Have you encountered nature programming that skewed things in its favor to force a point? What was it?
How has the Internet affected nature programming?
All right...the Internet thing is a gimme. So, how has cable affected nature programming?
Have you ever signed up for a channel or service for its nature programming?
If Men in Gorilla Suits were to dedicate an episode to an animal or cause, what would you choose?
Busy week for the Gorillamen, so we'll get right to it. This time around, we talk about self teaching...specifically:
When did you first learn about self-teaching?
What’s the first thing you taught yourself?
What are a few self-taught things you feel you do well?
Most self taught things are still shaped by books and other things. Is there something you've done that you truly taught yourself? (i.e. You did something new with no idea at all of how to do it?)
What are the advantages of being self-taught?
What are disadvantages of being self-taught?
Who are some of the coolest self-taught people you know?
How has the Internet changed being self-taught?
Is there still something to be said for traditional learning vs. self-taught learning?
Do you think the confidence that comes with being self-taught can lead to over confidence and not actually learning as much as someone who is taught more traditionally?
What would you tell someone who thinks they need to learn traditionally or who lacks the discipline to teach themselves something new?
It's been a nutty couple years, and many people the Gorillamen have bumped into have had a rough time coping. Hell, even the Gorillamen have had their moments. And that's why, this time around, the discussion turns to...coping.
* * *
What’s the first time you heard what coping was?
What’s the first thing you had to cope with?
Are you good at coping?
What’s your coping strategy?
Do you think the world is harder to cope with than it used to be?
What’s the most efficient coping strategy you’ve seen?
It's that time of the year...cool winds drop from northern climes, bringing a crispness many waited for all year. Treetops glow in a blaze of colors; the smells of fires and sweet decay waft on breezes.
And, somewhere online, a mouth-breathing cretin cracks his knuckles and gets a little chubby in the groin at the thought of telling someone on Facebook that there is no pumpkin in pumpkin spice...despite most people knowing that.
This time, the Gorillamen talk about fall. Specifically:
What is your first memory of what we call in the U.S. fall?
Which do you prefer: "fall" or "autumn?"
Of the four seasons, where does fall rank for you?
What is your best fall memory?
Your worst?
Do you have any fall rituals?
Every year online, I see people excited about pumpkin spice season…and others raging against it. Where do you stand on pumpkin spice?
What media (movies, music, TV, etc.) do you associate with the season? (A list is fine—even preferred.)
Some people hate darker mornings and evenings…others like them. Where do you fall on autumn’s change in lighting?
One of the many cries of Gen-X: "Remember when MTV used to play videos?"
Music videos were made for Gen-X, and for years, cable stations (and even some network shows) catered to playing music videos. Videos changed the face of music in the 80s, but to hear some people talk, you'd think they are a long-gone thing.
With YouTube and other ways of sharing content, clearly that's not true. We can now watch the videos we remember with a simple Google search, and new videos pop up every day. (Hell, you can now make your own videos and put them out there as easy as a podcast...)
So...the Gorillamen finally sat down to talk about music videos...specifically:
What was the first music video you remember seeing?
What impression did that video have?
Did you watch a lot of music videos growing up?
Do you watch a lot of them now?
What was your first impression of MTV?
Of VH1?
What was the most non-mainstream way you watched music videos? (public access, late-night TV, etc)
What's the best music video of all time?
The worst?
The most insane?
How important were music videos to you when you were younger?
If you had to make a music video for any song, which song, and what would the video concept be?
Do you think music videos are important to the kids now?
The Gorillamen have talked about movies, but this time around, it's all about movie theaters. Specifically:
What is your first memory in a movie theater?
What was your best movie theater experience?
What was your worst movie theater experience?
What do you love about movie theaters?
What do you hate about movie theaters?
Do you prefer going to a movie theater or watching things at home?
I once heard someone say upscale movie theaters are ridiculous. What do you think about movie theaters where you can get food and drinks while kicked back in a massive chair?
What's the last movie you've seen in a theater?
What's your favorite movie theater concession?
Are you eager to return to watching movies in theaters after COVID hit, or are you done with theaters?
What other things do you think movie theaters can do to stay relevant in a time when many prefer their home theaters?
Do you follow recipes, or wing it and see what happens? Maybe you just love the look of cookbooks, with all those great photos. Some recipes are passed down for generations; others seem to come out of nowhere like a one-hit wonder and fade away. But it's clear that humans enjoy food...and the recipes that can make it even better...
The Gorillamen didn't even turn this one dark!
Here's what's discussed:
What's the first recipe you remember seeing?
How well do you follow recipes?
What's the best recipe you've ever followed?
What's the worst recipe you've ever followed?
What's the strangest recipe you've ever made?
Have you ever made your own recipes? If so: what?
What's the last recipe you followed?
Do you have any cherished family recipes?
Cookbooks…are you a fan? (If so, how many do you have?)
How has the Internet changed the ways we look at recipes and cookbooks?
What do you think about the blog story recipe, where someone goes on (and sometimes on and on) with a story before sharing the recipe?
It's funny how you can record a thing and, a week later, it's maybe not obsolete, but definitely shows how quickly things can change. Granted, we discussed the likelihood of what is happening again--climbing COVID-19 rates brought on by [mostly] unvaccinated people and the Delta variant--but we didn't expect that prediction to be so timely.
With many people getting out and about, though, we Gorillamen sat down and talked about how our lives have changed since being vaccinated and able to venture out not as concerned as we were before vaccinations.
This is what we discussed:
When did you get vaccinated?
What was that experience?
What’s the first thing you wanted to do when you were fully vaccinated?
What’s the first thing you actually did?
What have you noticed is different in the world now than pre-COVID-vaccination?
Do you feel like we’ve turned a corner on the pandemic?
What’s something you were sure you were going to do when vaccinated that you haven’t?
How has your social interaction been compared with pre-COVID?
Have you noticed any problems or issues re-engaging with the world?
That's a rather ridiculous statement when you think about it. Life is always happening. If you're asleep, things are still happening that affect your life. So let's start over.
Because Gorilla Shawn was recently traveling and is currently feeling a little under the weather...and because Gorilla Christopher is redoing his office right now, we're skipping the scheduled episode of Men in Gorilla Suits this week.
It will likely be released next week. (At the latest, in two weeks on the usual schedule.)
Until then, we hope you're all chilling the fuck out...and making the damn thing!
A busy week, and Gorilla Shawn is traveling, so we'll get right to the talking points of this episode about YouTube:
When did you first become aware of YouTube--and how did you stumble upon it?
What are some of the earliest things you remember seeing on YouTube?
What are some of the funniest things you've seen on YouTube.
What are some of the coolest things you've learned on YouTube.
Do you subscribe to any YouTube Channels? (If so, what are some of your favorite channels?)
Do YOU have a YouTube channel? (What's it like?)
What role do you think YouTube plays in politics (good, bad, or otherwise)?
Are there aspects of YouTube you find problematic? If so, what?
What do you think about YouTube when it comes to copyright? (i.e. movie clips, albums, and other things shared on the platform.)
What do you think about "YouTube Celebrities" and how much money some people make on the platform? Do you think they are comparable to other celebrities?
If there's one thing you could change or add to YouTube, what would it be?
Sure, much of the country seems to be in a blast furnace, but...after skipping a release week, we're sure you're happy to have a new episode of Men in Gorilla Suits in your earholes.
This time around, it's one of those subjects we can't believe we've not already discussed: happiness! Specifically:
What’s your first memory of something that made you happy?
What’s your happiest memory?
Do you think we actually have the right to the pursuit of happiness?
It was a crazy-busy week for Gorilla Shawn. His dad turned 70 this weekend, so Shawn went to Florida to surprise him. On top of that, he had to double up on his radio show, Metal DNA -- as well as taking care of some work stuff and a sick dog.
Instead of stressing about it, we decided to just skip an episode release week and catch back up on June 9...when the topic for discussion is happiness!
It's been a busy week. No funny chat...just this, what we're talking about (Also, during a Skype freeze-up for Gorilla Christopher, Shawn sings most of "Sweet Caroline"...bom bom bom...):
What is the first myth you remember?
Why do you think ancient myths endure?
Let's talk a moment about Medusa, Sirens, Lamia, Banshees, and Harpies. Why do you think so many mythological monsters are female?
What's the differences between mythological religions and faiths enduring today?
Do you think mythology can be dangerous?
Do you know of any myths based on truth?
Why do you think so many writers are into older myths?
If you were to create a mythology, what would it be like?
After 319 episodes, we have made the decision to...keep going with the podcast! Okay, so we didn't decide a thing...we do the show almost automatically, now. But since the episode is about quitting things (habits, jobs, and so much more), we of course must make the joke that it's all over.
It's not.
This is what we talk about this time around:
What’s one of the earliest things you remember quitting?
Have you ever quit a job suddenly? Why, and what happened?
Do you think people should quit their job and pursue their passions?
What is the biggest thing you quit?
At least in the United States, we seem to love quotes like, “Winners are not people who never fail. Winners are people who never quit!” Why do you think we sell the story that quitting is bad?
Is there anything you’ve quit that you regret quitting?
When is quitting a good idea?
Is there anything in your life you feel you should quit? If so, what and why?
Why do you think it’s so hard for people to quit certain things?
The hands of time creep forward and the pages of calendars turn. Along the way, microbes become creatures that leave the water and eventually walk upright. In time, the Progenies of Time create societies, the Internet, and so many other things.
Progress marches on, so...this time around, that's what the Gorillamen discuss.
Specifically:
When is the first time you were aware of progress (societal, technological, other).
How much societal progress would you say you’ve seen through your lifetime?
Technological?
What thing would mid-80s Christopher (or mid-90s) Shawn be most surprised by existing today?
What would each of those people be most disappointed had not progressed?
What’s your favorite example of societal/technological process from your lifetime?
What is the worst example of progress from your lifetime?
Once upon a time, there were two little gorillas who worked together in the mortgage branch of a very large bank. They liked each other enough that they stayed in touch, even after leaving that job and going their separate ways.
They talked about starting a new thing: a podcast. They jumped into that new thing, and the only thing that ever stopped them in a release week was the recent Texas winterpocalypse that wiped out power and Internet connectivity for most of a week.
The Gorillamen often talk about things they are up to, so...it seemed time to dedicate an entire episode to trying new things.
Here's what Gorilla Shawn and Gorilla Christopher chat about this time:
What is the first new thing you remember trying?
How easy is it to try something new?
How open are you to trying new things?
What is the coolest new thing you've ever done?
Has a new thing ever changed your life? What was it, and how did it change things?
Why do you think some people are apprehensive about trying new things?
What's a new thing you tried that you quickly stopped doing? (And why?)
What's the last [vaguely major] new thing you've tried?
How has the Internet factored into people trying new things?
What's a new thing you have always wanted to do, but haven't? Why?
This is not the government writing this intro to tell you that Gorilla Shawn, recently receiving his first COVID-19 vaccine dose, is now under the control of Bill Gates. And Gorilla Christopher recently didn't eat fake Texas snow, and is not now a HAARP zombie! Nope...nothing to see, here...move on...
This time around, while still rebounding from the big Texas winter storm, the Gorillamen are taking on modern conspiracy theories. (Yes, they talked about conspiracy theories way back in Episode 3, but this time, it's more recent things...and the damage they're doing to the U.S. and beyond...)
What is discussed? How 'bout this:
What’s the first time in the last few years you noticed an upturn in conspiracy thought?
What’s the first modern conspiracy you saw?
Why do you think conspiracy theories have come back into the mainstream lately?
What kind of people are most susceptible to believing in conspiracies?
What’s the dumbest conspiracy theory you’ve heard lately?
What’s the most believable?
How do conspiracies start, and why?
Who benefits from the latest rash of conspiracy thought?
Who is damaged by it?
What’s the immediate future of conspiracy theories?
For the first time in over 315 episodes (eight years), it looks like we won't get an episode out during its scheduled week.
Because of the unprecedented storm that hit Texas this week, Gorilla Shawn has been without power, and Gorilla Christopher spent much of the week without Internet.
Not sure if we will release the new episode next week, or wait for the next scheduled week.
Just wanted to let everyone know what's up!
Hope you're well...we're starting to crawl out of things down here in the Lone Star State...
It's time to change that avocado-colored kitchen you've looked at daily since buying that 60s ranch house in the 'burbs. But how? Do you hire contractors, do it yourself, or find the right combination of both options?
More people than ever are giving it their own go. If you live in the suburbs, you are likely just a few miles from a large home improvement store. Many cities offer grants to improve where we live. Access to industry knowledge and materials is commonplace, and the result is more homes being updated than ever.
That's what the Gorillamen are talking about this time around...specifically:
When did you first become aware of home improvement?
Growing up, what home improvements did you see done? (Could be your family, or others.)
Functionality used to be enough, but now we love luxury and design. Why do you think home improvement is such a big thing?
Why do you think Do It Yourself home tasks have become more popular than ever?
What is your favorite home improvement show?
Have you ever worked in a job centered around home improvement? (Or, if not…do you ever have the urge?)
How has the Internet changed home improvement?
What's the most involved home improvement task you've done?
How do you learn how to update things around your home?
What's one home improvement task you need to do or have done?
What is THE home improvement task you want to do or have done?
You will listen to Men in Gorilla Suits... You will spread the good news about Men in Gorilla Suits... You will listen to Men in Gorilla Suits... You will spread the good news about Men in Gorilla Suits... You will listen to Men in Gorilla Suits... You will spread the good news about Men in Gorilla Suits...
This time around, we're talking about brainwashing...specifically, these points:
When was the first time you heard of the concept of brainwashing?
Who's the first person you ever saw brainwashed or radicalized in any way?
What is brainwashing, in your opinion?
How long has brainwashing been a part of the American experience?
Have you ever been brainwashed?
What's the most benign example of brainwashing you've seen?
What's the scariest?
Does the internet make it easier to brainwash people?
Why are some people more suggestible to brainwashing?
Can brainwashing ever be used for good?
How do we combat brainwashing, or try to help those who have been radicalized?
So...uhm...how 'bout that attempted United States coup attempt, eh?
It's been a bit of a nutty week (to say the least), but we have yet to miss posting an episode by Friday of the scheduled week for 313 episodes and counting...
This time, we talk about hypochondria; specifically:
When did you first hear about hypochondria?
Who was the first hypochondriac you knew?
Are you a hypochondriac…or do you have any tendencies toward illness anxiety disorder?
How does one become a hypochondriac?
Do you feel hypochondria is a valid phobia?
How does illness anxiety disorder affect one’s life?
Have you ever lived with a hypochondriac? What’s that like?
Do you think doctors are quick to dispel valid medical concerns as being all in one’s head?
Has a doctor ever told you there was nothing wrong with you and then…it turned out there was?
What role do you think the Internet plays in those with illness anxiety disorder?
Can someone overcome hypochondria?
What advice would you give someone with illness anxiety disorder?
Somebody once told me the world was gonna roll me...so I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel. Now, don't you tell me to smile, 'cause nothing lasts forever -- even cold November rain.
And I know it's up for me if you steal my sunshine because nothing compares (nothing compares) to you. So load up on guns and bring your friends; 'cause after all, you're my wonderwall...
Yep, we're talking about 90s music!
What's discussed this time around:
What's the first 90s tune you remember hearing?
While radio was still big in the 90s, what other things drove the rise of 90s music?
What new style of music that came along in the 90s surprised you?
What style of 90s music is your favorite?
Why do you think alternative music took hold in the 90s?
What is your favorite 90s tune? (Or hell, a list if need be...)
Least favorite tune of the 90s?
Do you have a favorite concert of the 90s?
What 90s tunes do you still go back to?
Right at the end of the 90s, Napster came along. How big was peer-to-peer shared music in your life?
This probably leans more into the early 2000s, but did peer-to-peer sharing cause you to stop buying music or buy more music?
This may seem weird since it's over, but what is the future of 90s music?
Hello, and welcome to the Men in Gorilla Suits community. Membership has its privileges: no message forums, membership cards, or expectations other than, "We're not the bosses of you...do whatever you want!"
But there are podcasts, organizations, and so many other things around which communities are built. In fact, that's the topic of this episode.
Some of what we talk about:
What is your first memory of community?
How important is a sense of community to a person's development?
What are some communities you have been a part of...or currently still take part in?
The online world makes it possible for anyone to try establishing communities. What are some online communities that have impressed you...and why?
What are some examples of online communities having a negative effect on society?
Have you ever established or managed a community?
Do you feel we have a community based around this show...and what is your opinion of it?
Do you ever feel like we should do more to create a sense of community based around Men in Gorilla Suits?
What's the weirdest community you know of?
Is there any community you're not a part of that you'd like to join? Why?
What do you think about people very into something who are not part of any community for that thing?
We got through this entire episode without making an instrument = penis joke.
Apparently, after 300 episodes, we have become complacent. For that, the Gorillamen apologize.
So...this week we talk about hard wood(en) instruments and playing flutes. (But not skin flutes...another opportunity squandered...) It's all about musical instruments.
Specifically, here's what we discuss:
What's your first memory of someone playing a musical instrument?
Do you play any instruments? (What...and how long have you played?)
Did you ever take any kind of musical training?
How do you teach yourself new musical skills?
Have you ever played live music for an audience?
Who is the best musician you personally know (and what do they play)?
If you could snap your fingers and play any instrument very well, what would you choose?
Is there an instrument you feel you'll never play that you still think is very cool? What is it? (And why?)
Do you believe playing a musical instrument benefits the person playing? If so, how?
How has social media and YouTube changed the way people play music?
Would you ever want to build an instrument from scratch?
If sci-fi has taught us nothing else, it's that musical instruments will evolve. So...What is the future of musical instruments?
Gorilla Christopher almost totally forgot to load this! Sad thing: he got a jump on the episode, but didn't get to this part on Wednesday.
Were he to justify things, he'd say, "Well, technically, our release date is Friday...Wednesdays just happened along the way..." Or he could have said something about a busy work-week or that things got lost in the excitement of an approaching long weekend in the U.S.
But nah, he just totally forgot!
Still...this time around, it's all about how people justify things...specifically:
When’s the first time you heard someone try to justify something?
Do you feel the need to justify your actions/decisions much these days?
What’s the worst thing you’ve ever had to justify?
What are the little things we all justify every day?
How do people justify the actions taken by our government lately? The racism, the violence against our own people, the fascism?
Is use of force ever justified for private citizens?
You wouldn't know it by looking at us, but we have always been popular. The smartest and fittest -- Homecoming Kings...all-state quarterbacks.
As adults, we've turned down film roles, eschewed playing in popular bands...even refusing roles as heads of state.
Instead, we Gorillamen have chosen to channel all our popularity into a podcast that gets 250-500 listens a month! (Top those numbers, This American Life!!!)
Okay, so this week, two unpopular geeks talk about popular things. Specifically, this:
When was the first time you heard of a person or thing being popular?
When you were a kid, were you concerned with popularity?
Was your school/schools when you were young popularity contests?
As a (supposed) adult, are you concerned with popularity at all?
What’s the most popular thing you’ve done?
What are some popular things you like?
What are some popular things you hate?
Are presidential elections just popularity contests?
You will listen to this episode and like it because we made it and we are in control...
Okay, so you probably know by now that we are two of the least controlling people on the planet. But it's a good topic worthy of discussion, so...our gift to you (and what we discuss):
When did you first become aware of the concept of control?
Were you raised in a controlling household?
Are you a controlling person?
What is your opinion of controlling people?
Any interesting stories about dealing with a controlling person?
Why do you think some people are controlling?
How do you deal with controlling people?
How controlling do you think most U.S. workplaces are?
What role does control play in politics?
Do you think any good comes out of being controlling or having control? (On an individual or even societal level.)
What are the downsides of trying to have or maintain control?
If you've listened to the show, you know we believe Black lives matter. You know we believe in underdogs. You know we're the kinds of people the assholes will brand wicked socialists.
And we're good with that.
We've had our goofy moments over the years, but always strive to listen, learn, and be better.
So yeah...this week, we're talking about politics and protests...
This is what we talk about:
Do you consider yourself a political person?
Have you ever been to a protest?
Do you think protests work?
Would you go to a protest now?
What other political actions have you taken?
Have you ever worked on a political campaign?
Do you think there is a political solution to the current crises in America and the world?
Do you think riots are effective political action?
What’s your opinion of the current protests/riots?
May 29, 2020: We have run out of food in the arctic. Having eaten the sled dogs, we Gorillamen decided our last act would be recording a podcast. Good friends that we are, each offering their life for the other, we decided to let nature survive. One of us might make it after eating the other should one of us die first. But it is possible, as cold as it is, that we might not make it through the night...
This episode, we're talking about these fine topics of adventure:
When did you first become aware of the concept of adventure?
How do you define adventure?
What is the appeal of adventure?
What’s your earliest memory of an adventure you took part in?
What’s your best (or a couple best) adventure experiences?
Your worst?
How important is adventure in your life?
What is your favorite adventure story? (Can be a book, movie, song…anything…)
Must something be big in order to be an adventure?
What do you think stops people from living adventurously?
Do you think younger you would be pleased with the level of adventure in your life?
Dearest listeners. While the pandemic is far-reaching, we Gorillamen are doing as well as can be expected. Such dire circumstances, but we must strive for some semblance of our lives before March, when the vapors strongly made its presence known.
But if history tells us nothing else, it's that those of us who stay in place and consider many things have the greatest odds of weathering through. To that end, Gorilla Shawn and Gorilla Christopher communicated recently through telegraph, creating a thing that history may remember one day as a "podcast."
While they realize many may be exhausted by the constant drumming of newsboys and news moguls, it is important to share our own stories, so one day one may look back and live history through our eyes.
To that end, we offer this show...
These items are discussed:
How long have you been doing the stay-at-home thing?
Did you start before or after someone recommended it?
When did your town/county officially order you to stay at home?
How are you holding up?
Do you actually think self-quarantine is over or under reacting to the current situation?
What do you think about the coronavirus situation in general?
Are you concerned for the future?
What are you doing to fill the time?
How are you coping with the uncertainty the situation has created?
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen since this whole thing started?
With the world in a weird state right now, the Gorillamen have thought about addressing Da Covidz, but instead...Gorilla Christopher opted for something more inspirational...forgiveness.
(He almost went with Pizza as the topic, so expect that next time it's his call...)
Anyway, here we go...
When did you first become aware of forgiveness?
Are you a very forgiving person?
What’s the biggest thing you’ve ever forgiven?
Is there anything you can’t forgive?
How does living in a world that demands speed, perfection, and getting what you want (sometimes, at any cost) affect forgiveness?
What are some benefits of forgiveness?
Who’s the most forgiving person you know?
What do you think of those who equate forgiveness to weakness?
How important do you think forgiveness is to living a happy life?
Some people joke about odd “unforgivable things” like putting pineapple on pizza, beans in chili, or wearing white after Labor Day. Other people take those things seriously. What do you think about how people react to those stranger unforgivable things?
What advice do you have for someone who finds it hard to forgive?
Once the perceived domain of crunchy hippies, vegetarianism is much more than Birkenstock sandal-wearing hipsters who smell like patchouli. Around the world, it is the diet of many faithful sects; it sustains many top athletes; it is embraced by Hollywood and your average person alike. Dare we say it has even seen mainstream success in recent years?
While one of the Gorillamen has not eaten meat since well before the start of Men in Gorilla Suits, we have yet to discuss eating plants. So...this time around, we change that!
Here's what we chat about:
What is your earliest memory of the concept of not eating meat?
Are you now, or have you ever been, a vegetarian or vegan? (If so, when and why?)
Why do you think there's a growth of vegetarians and vegans in the world right now?
Vegans especially have a reputation for being pushy in their views. Do you think there's truth to that?
Along those lines, why do you think some people are so aggressively opposed to the idea of not eating meat – to the point they will tease plant-based eaters for their choices?
The Burger King Impossible Whopper has received a lot of attention. What are your thoughts about mock meats?
Why do you think there are so many different kinds of vegetarians (examples: ordinary vegetarians, vegans, people who prefer being called plant-based instead of vegan)?
Do you think all the different ways of being a vegetarian or vegan make it hard for meat-eaters to warm to the concept?
What role does environmentalism play in the growth of vegetarianism/veganism?
Hell, let’s just go there: what are your feelings toward People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals?
Legislation has been written in many states saying it's illegal for whistleblowers to secretly film the mistreatment of livestock...and some legislators want to make referring to plant-based milks as "milk" and veggie burgers as "burgers." What are your thoughts about all that?
We here at Men in Gorilla Suits are looking for 25 self-motivated people to join our team! Get in on the ground floor and make as much -- or as little -- money as you'd like. Great opportunity for stay-at-home moms or anyone wanting a side hustle that will break them free from the bonds of their 9-to-5 day jobs. Set your own hours -- be your own boss! We'll be visiting your airport Marriott soon, so sign up now!
This week, we're talking about multi-level marketing schemes. (Oh, wait...we're calling it "network marketing" these days...)
Here's what we discuss:
What’s the first pyramid scheme you ever heard of?
The first one you experienced?
Has anyone ever tried to get you into an MLM/pyramid scheme?
Have you ever fallen for one in any way, including buying the products?
Why do people fall for pyramid schemes and MLMs?
Should MLMs be illegal?
Are all MLMs bad?
Are there any good MLM products?
What’s the worst MLM you’ve ever heard of or experienced?
Friday, February 7, marks the completion of Year Seven of Men in Gorilla Suits!
While we've never taken the Two-Guys-Talking-About-Random-Things podcast genre by storm, we'd be lying if we said seeing the growth we've had over the years didn't mean anything to us.
So, to all who listen...THANK YOU!!!
Okay, and now on to the latest episode, which is all about...unemployment!
Here's what's discussed:
Who is the first working person you remember who ended up facing unemployment?
When was the last time you were unemployed?
What is the longest you've ever been unemployed?
Why do you think some people absolutely freak out when they are faced with unemployment?
How is unemployment damaging?
We've touted strong employment rates for close to a decade in the U.S. Do you think things are as strong as politicians claim?
Do you think companies prey on people they know are unemployed or underemployed?
Have you ever been unemployed by design (i.e. quit and not had another job lined up)?
What do you dislike most about the times you've been unemployed?
Is there anything you like about being unemployed?
Do you ever worry there may be a time you're not able to find employment?
This week, we're nailing bitches and battlin' bros...it's all about toxic masculinity!
[And if you're completely new...uhm...we're not fans of toxic masculinity. Gorilla Shawn is currently at DisneyWorld and Gorilla Christopher just helped his wife of 27+ years with the lunchtime dishes...]
Anyway, here's what we talk about this time around:
When did you first hear about toxic masculinity?
Growing up, were there toxic males close to you in life? Who? (And how do you think that affects boys?)
Why do you think toxic masculinity exists?
Have you ever been a toxic male? How?
Is the very term "toxic masculinity" too broad a term? (i.e. Is it too easy to just dispel anything one doesn't like as toxic?)
What do you think about those who say this is all blown out of proportion -- that men are just being men?
How do you think we combat those who say it's all just the way men are?
Can a guy be both tough but tender without being labeled toxic?
Do you think the current political state plays a role in toxic masculinity? How?
It seems there are always new reports coming out about men and loneliness. What role do you think toxic masculinity plays in that?
Why do you think there's such a push-back by toxic males against the concept of toxic masculinity?
Gorilla Christopher has been sick for a week, and it's Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., so let's get right to what we chat about this episode...about streaming services.
* * *
When was the first time you heard of a streaming service? (Music or video)?
What’s the first streaming service you used?
How many streaming services do you use now?
How many are paid vs. unpaid?
How much do you spend on streaming?
What’s your favorite streaming service?
What’s the worst streaming service?
Do you still subscribe to cable/satellite or other TV?
Have you ever subscribed to a streaming service for one show only?
Is streaming a threat to traditional media?
Is that a bad thing if it is?
How has streaming changed your daily life, if at all?
Once you set foot on any Disney property, the sounds and colors will haunt your life for the rest of your days.
This week, we're talking about tourism. Specifically:
When’s the first time you remember hearing of the idea of traveling for fun, or to go see a thing/event?
When was your first “touristy” trip?
When you travel, is it for tourism, or is it task-oriented? (“I’m going to New York to see the Empire State Building” vs. “I’m going to New York for a work thing.”)
What’s the most touristy thing you’ve ever done?
What touristy thing do you hate?
What touristy thing do you want to do?
What’s something that you’ve gone somewhere to see, but very few people would even bother to seek out?
Some weeks, there are things you just have to accept. Not that it was a bad week, but Gorilla Christopher was like [to himself]: "Chill...you'll get the episode up at some point...worst case, Gorilla Shawn's always got your back..."
So here it is, in its snazzy glory...all about...stoicism...
* * *
This is how it flows:
When did you first become aware of stoicism?
Do you consider yourself stoic?
Whether or not you consider yourself stoic, what are some of your stoic moments in life?
What are some good things about stoicism or being stoic?
What are some bad things about being stoic?
Do you think stoicism is avoidance?
And along that line of thinking, many will argue stoicism is anything BUT avoidance, because you are always prepared to deal with the worst. Do you think that’s a realistic way of looking at the world?
A tenet of stoicism is accepting the things you can and cannot control. Doing something about those things you can control…and letting the things you cannot roll off you. Your thoughts on that?
Do you agree that people should love all the things that happen to them?
Stoicism seems to have become a sort of buzzy philosophy among entrepreneurs. Do you think they really get stoicism?
Sprawling on the fringes of the city In geometric order An insulated border In between the bright lights And the far, unlit unknown - Rush "Subdivisions"
This week, it's all about the suburbs!
Here's what we talk about:
How long have you lived in the suburbs?
What’s the first time you heard a mention of the suburbs?
Have you ever lived in the limits of a big city?
Which do you prefer? The suburbs or the city?
What’s the draw of suburbia for most people?
For us?
What’s the most suburban thing you’ve seen?
What’s the most suburban thing you’ve done?
Is there really a difference in kids/people raised in the suburbs and those in the city?
What about suburbs vs country/rural? What’s your preference there?
Because Gorilla Christopher is determined to get some writing in during his lunch break, here's what we chat about this week:
When did you first become aware of determination?
Are you a very determined person?
What is the best thing, to you, about determination?
What is the worst thing, to you, about determination?
Who is the most determined person you know?
Do you think there's anything wrong with not being a determined person?
Can one be determined without being ambitious?
As a society, do you think we place too much importance on being determined?
Is there anything you are determined to do before you die?
What's something you were once determined to do that you aren't anymore?
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be more determined to do the things they want to do in life?
We usually end by talking about the future. As we stare climate change in the face, do you think humanity is determined to actually do something about it?
Very few people know Gorilla Shawn is a concert pianist and Gorilla Christopher is a chamber cellist. We are tops when it comes to our Mensa scores. Christopher swam the English Channel...under water, while holding his breath. Shawn can assemble furniture with his mind. Don't even get us started on our mad dance skills.
But still...we are the most talented gorillas you will ever meet, and we combine all our talents into the most important thing you will listen to this week: the two of us talking about...talent!
* * *
We begin the episode discussing when we first realized some people were inherently better than others at certain tings...and then talk about when we first learned what talent was.
Find out if we were aware of our talents when we were younger and what we did to discover them. After that, we chat about the most talented people we knew growing up.
We devote a bit of time to talking about what we feel we're talented at doing -- and then discuss what we wish we were truly talented at doing. If that's not enough, we chat about the most talented person we know now...and who we think are the most popular celebrities.
We get a bit serious when the topic turns to wondering if society puts too much pressure on people to discover and use their talents...and we wrap it all up with this question: Are talents even important anymore?
We don't care about SEO…we only care about talking about what we want to talk about…
[Shawn is like, "Damn, Chris…we're trending in South Korea and Malaysia…be cool, manl! Be cool!"]
(If he only saw the paragraph I deleted...)
He is right, though: Chill, Chris…chill…
And for those of you who listen to the show to hear English, the "CH" in Christopher is NOT the CH in Chill. (Also, thank you for listening. We'd rather people in South Korea and Malaysia listen than some angry redneck. But stalwart rednecks are okay with us...)
English…it's wacky!
Anyway...Shawn sings a lot in this episode...and makes Gorilla-Christopher sing along, so we're all golden!
* * *
What we talk about this week:
Define a stranger.
Were you warned of “stranger danger” when you were a child?
Who is the strangest stranger you’ve ever met?
Are we, as a society, too afraid of strangers in general (like as in the Neighbors app, or immigration, etc)?
Our fears of others don't match reality.
What’s the worst interaction you’ve had with a stranger?
The best?
Do you think kids should still be taught that strangers are evil?
Have you ever been the mysterious stranger in someone else’s story?
"Yeah, uhm...we're gonna need you to come into work tomorrow. I know, I know...it's 4:49 on a Friday and you're about to leave, but...we have a lot to do, so we're working this weekend. Oh, you have plans? Plans can be cancelled...I mean, it's not like your kid isn't going to go on to play professional baseball if they're just on some lowly city league. They're already too far behind. The best they will become is someone just like you who will one day work on Saturdays for a bigger cause. Oh, by the way...I know your property has been in your family for generations, but we lobbied local officials and we all agree that the town would benefit more from taxes once a strip mall is built there, so just remember: you're getting a fair price when we assert eminent domain. Seeya tomorrow..."
This week, we're talking about corporations! Here's the list of what we discuss:
What was the first corporation you were aware of?
What’s the first corporation you were a part of in any way?
Do corporations have too much access to our daily lives?
Do you trust corporations with your data?
Do corporations have our best interests at heart?
Are corporations soulless and evil, or are they sometimes good?
What’s the best corporation you can think of?
The worst?
Which corporations figure into your daily life most?
Apparently the consequence of having a day job when there's a wicked cold going around the northern part of the Lone Star State is that you might catch that cold by going into the office.
The Gorillamen are in different stages of that cold, so please ignore any snarfiness in this episode. Also, we're just going to get straight to what we talked about this episode:
When did you first learn there were consequences for certain actions?
How much did consequences factor into your life when you were younger?
How much do consequences factor into your life today?
Do you think perceived consequences are often valid or are they overhyped?
Neither of us have kids, but let's pretend we do. What consequences do you feel are most important to explain to a younger person?
How does discipline factor into consequences?
What is one lax action and consequence you wished you'd heeded more?
What do you think about systems set up to measure results and force consequences (e.g. annual performance reviews)?
Do you think it's effective to suggest to others ways to avoid negative consequences for their actions?
As we rely on more tools (smart phones, apps, etc.) and institutions, what consequences come with that expansion of use?
Do you think it's possible to live a life of few consequences?
What consequences from the last decades do you think we will face in the not-too-distant future?
Flies are buzzing 'round my head Vultures circling the dead Picking up every last crumb The big fish eat the little ones The big fish eat the little ones Not my problem, give me some
We're a bit more optimistic than that, but about certain issues...probably not by much.
This week we will fill your hearts with hope as we talk about...optimism...
* * *
We begin by discussing our own optimism...and when we were first introduced to the concept. Then we talk about the most optimistic people we knew growing up -- and who claims the title today.
We chat a bit about if it's easier or harder to maintain optimism as we age...and then devote some time to whether or not we're optimistic about the United States.
Find out where our optimism ends -- and what we try [and sometimes fail] to be optimistic about.
We answer these questions: Can relentless optimism be damaging? Or annoying? And then we offer our advice for someone who is not naturally optimistic.
And, of course, we wrap it all up talking about the future of optimism.
It's...super, right?! Shawn may not have the beard anymore, but his beard lives on in all our hearts. And Christopher...he's kinda super (for a crusty 50-year old!)
Hell, this episode was RECORDED on the day Gorilla Christopher turned 50.
So to keep the fleeting moment alive before entropy envelops him, you should listen to this episode!
* * *
We kick it off with the first -- and last -- superhero movies we saw (and have seen). After that, find out our favorite (and least favorite) superhero movies.
We devote a little time to our best superhero movie experiences...and why we think superhero movies finally took hold in popular culture.
We chat a bit about if we prefer our superhero movies to match comics exactly, or deviate a bit...and then we discuss our favorite TV superhero shows.
Robert Pattinson as Batman has some slobbery geeks' undies all bundled around their pebbly nads. We give our thoughts on the latest Batman choice...and then talk about the superhero movie we'd love to see. (Gorilla Christopher forgot Justice League International...or an all out Booster Gold/Blue Beetle flick!)
As we approach the end, we talk about if we've experienced superhero movie burnout...and we wrap it all up with the future of superhero movies!
Yo! Like, we never tell you about how Men in Gorilla Suits has afforded us, the Gorillamen, ridiculous side cash!
You might think we do this out of love for just making the damn thing, but why make the damn thing if it doesn't make a lot of side money, right?
Men in Gorilla Suits has made us rich! Ridiculously so, but...we work day jobs just because it's funny for the show. Really, we're cutting-edge entrepreneurs, out there on the fringes of society, hustling all the time and making the fat stacks of Benjamins!
Or maybe not...
This week, we talk all about side gigs...
* * *
We kick it off with the first person we remember who had a side gig...and then talk about our own first side gigs.
We talk about the "gig economy" for a bit and if we're currently working any side gigs.
We devote a bit of time to the best and worst side gigs we've worked. After that, we chat about if things we do on the side today are strictly for money or other things.
If you listen to us regularly, you know we often talk about technology's effect on the chosen topic. We talk about how tech has influenced side gigs before chatting about the side gig we'd love to have.
But not all side gigs are good (in fact, many are terrible). We discuss them for a bit and then wrap it up with the future of side gigs.
Gorilla Christopher starts a new job this week, so let's get straight to what we talk about this week:
* * *
What was the first toy you remember?
What was the first toy you ever REALLY wanted?
What was your favorite toy from childhood?
What was the worst toy you ever owned?
How important are toys to childhood development?
What is the last toy you purchased?
What do you think about adults rushing to collect toys before kids can get them? (Like Star Wars figures, Avengers figures…things like that!)
Toys have changed quite a bit over the years. What is the most dangerous toy you once owned that they would probably not sell today?
How has technology affected toys?
Let's talk about the OTHER adult toys. Do you consider things like mini flamethrowers, GoPro cameras, and drones toys? (Or at least appeal to us as adults in the same manner toys appealed to us as kids?)
In the world of podcasting, some refer to recording gear as toys. What is your favorite podcasting toy…and is there something else you'd really love having?
Working from home used to be the domain of fancy-pants novelists and snooty painters. Now, it's likely your schlub of a neighbor has worked from home. We say this with confidence, being those very schlubs.
Like anything, there are good and bad things about working from home. (Although Gorilla Christopher will argue it's all good.) Working from home is the topic of this week's Men in Gorilla Suits...recorded in our homes on a Sunday night...
* * *
We kick it off talking about how often we work from home and then jump to the first time we heard about people working from home. Then we move on to our first jobs that allowed us to work from home...followed by our best -- and worst -- working from home experiences.
We chat about if we're more or less productive when working from home...and if we tend to work more hours when we're not in the office.
It could be easy losing all sense of time working from home, so we talk about how we manage things without being in the office. And then we discuss the best and worst parts of working from home.
We devote a little time to funny working from home stories, and then wrap it all up with the future of working from home.
You'll just have to trust us that this episode is good...
* * *
We kick it off with our first memories of trusting someone, and then talk about how important trust is to one's existence. Find out who we trust most today...and what role trust plays in this podcast.
Next, we chat about how much we trust institutions like religion, corporations, and governments. After that, find out if our trust has ever been betrayed by someone...and if we have ever betrayed someone's trust.
We discuss why betrayed trust hurts some people so much, and devote a little time to processes we trust. From there, it's on to talking about if we trust ourselves to make good decisions and then wrapping it all up with the future of trust.
We begin with the first example of automation we remember seeing, and then move on to the most recent. After that, we chat about if we (and most people) could lose jobs to automated machines or algorithms.
What will humans do if machines and algorithms take over a significant number of jobs? We talk about that a bit before moving on to if automation frightens or bothers us.
Find out what automation we use at work and home...and where we stand on home automation.
And we wrap it all up with what the future of automation means for humanity.
You leave Radigast City at the break of dawn, traveling north until reaching an unnamed river. For days, the water is your guide as lush earth gives way to dreary moors and tangled thickets. Finally, in the distance, you see a white plume of smoke rising from a mountain in the distance.
Two miles from the volcano, you find a suitable cave in which to store your supplies.
"Dead Knoll's Eye Socket," your guide says. "This is where I take leave. Good luck."
With your traveling gear stored safely away, you make your way along unsettled the land, being careful to avoid any fissures venting steam. Levi, the party's thief, is the first to hear the mountain breathing. Once you all hear it, you realize it comes in a cycle: a thirty-second exhale of heat followed by a half minute of calm. The cave your guide said to seek now lies before you, about eight feet in diameter.
Suddenly, the whooshing breath of White Plume Mountain almost knocks you over. The torch Bautigan the Brave readied is extinguished by the blast of air. You have thirty seconds before the next wave of wind and steam comes your way.
What do you do?
Dungeons and Dragons. In the 80s, many claimed it was a tool of Satan. Today, it's a mainstream staple of pop culture. It's also this week's topic of Men in Gorilla Suits...
* * *
We roll initiative and discuss when we first became aware of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). After that, we talk about when we played...and if we still play today.
We talk about why D&D has endured for 45 years...and how technology has affected the game in recent years.
Because we are geeks, we devote some time to our favorite D&D monsters, player classes, and races.
We mentioned the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, which many claimed was the worst thing about D&D. It never came to be (because there was nothing to worry about), but that doesn't stop us from chatting about the worst thing playing D&D can do to a person.
Dungeons and Dragons has become a pop culture staple, and we talk about our favorite appearance of the game in something we've watched or listened to.
Gorilla Christopher initially thought about opening Photoshop and adding your favorite podcasters' faces to images of celebrities known for parody and satire. But swapping faces with Weird Al looked like Christopher because he's apparently hair twins with the world's favorite accordion player. So that idea was scrapped.
And yes, obviously -- this week's topic: Parody and Satire.
* * *
We begin by talking about the first parody or satire we remember -- and then leap to the best work of satire in literature and film. After that, we discuss the funniest -- and worst -- works of parody we've come across.
Find out our preferences: parody or satire. (Or do we like each equally?) Also, we tell you where we stand on parody and comedic music in general.
If you've ever wondered if either of us have attempted to write satire or parody, this is your moment! And with the current climate ripe for satire, we talk about where to find it.
And, of course, we wrap it up looking toward the future, asking what parody and satire will be like in the years to come.
It is currently 53 degrees with mostly clear skies in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Weekend lows will be in the 30s, with afternoon temperatures reaching 60 by Sunday afternoon. A perfect weekend for getting out and about!
This week, we're talking about the weather...specifically:
What’s the first weather event you remember?
What’s your ideal weather situation?
What’s the most extreme weather situation you’ve lived through?
What’s the scariest type of weather on the planet?
What’s the worst type of weather, in your opinion?
Is climate change a thing?
Is weather a consideration in where you choose to live, or not to live as the case might be?
Are you a weather-centric person? Does it affect your moods?
Y'all know me. You know how I make a living. I'll find your mess for you, but it ain't gonna be easy. Bad mess. Not like goin' down to the basement and chasin' tax returns and odd socks. No movin’, no organizin’, down you go. And we gotta do it quick, that’ll bring back your family, put all your surfaces on a cleanin’ basis. But it’s not gonna be pleasant. I value my neck a lot more than three thousand bucks, chief.
Ho ho ho, and happy birthday! It's Hanukkah-time in Gift City, so stock up for Administrative Professionals' Day! What? You didn't get the biggest teddy bear on the planet for your loved on on Valentine's Day? What kind of monster are you?! You better be ready for deep mattress price reductions come Labor Day. Shop, shop, shop...why, just since beginning to type this, marketers have created three new holidays that come with an expectation of gift-giving.
Guess what the Gorillamen are talking about this week? It's our gift to you...
* * *
We begin with the first gifts we ever received...and the first gifts we ever gave. After that, find out if we like receiving gifts -- and if we're good at giving gifts.
We spend a moment wondering if there are too many gift-giving holidays in the U.S. before discussing the go-to gifts or methods we use when having to buy gifts for people we don't know very well.
Whether we like it or not, weapons shaped human life on the planet. Today, they are big business. At least in the United States, we see weapons from the start: in movies, cartoons, and even in stores.
So the Gorillamen decided to pull up a couple chairs and talk about weapons this week.
* * *
We begin with the first weapons we remember...and the weapons we regularly feared as children.
After that, find out if we own any weapons -- and our favorite (and coolest) weapons we've ever used.
Because we're geeks, we dedicate some time to the best (and worst) fictional weapons...and then get serious when we discuss the weapon that most frightens us.
We talk about where we stand on gun control and American's fascination with weaponry. We also chat about what it says about a society that spends so much on weapons...and then wrap it all up with the future of weaponry.